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North Beach Gyros

561 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
$$
Mediterranean, Greek, Turkish, Mediterranean, Greek, Middle Eastern

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Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)

North Beach Gyros 7.9
North Beach
Counter-service Mediterranean spot for gyros, kebabs, and mezze with sidewalk tables on busy Columbus. Quick, affordable plates and house-made sauces make it an easy al fresco choice steps from Washington Square.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb-Beef Gyro Wrap, Mixed Grill Plate (kebab trio), Baklava
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: House-made sauces and halal kebabs served fast at sidewalk tables.
Who should go: Casual gyro fans and budget-minded groups
When to visit: Late lunch to avoid dinner rush lines
What to order: Lamb-beef gyro; mixed grill; lentil soup
Insider tip: Grab a sidewalk table facing Columbus for lively people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight around Columbus Avenue, but metered spots open up mid-afternoon. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—sidewalk tables pick up city chatter but conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during dinner rush, mostly for outdoor seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel plates, hummus, and salads are strong options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—falafel wrap, lentil soup, and mezze sans tzatziki.
Gluten-free options: Yes—platters can be made without pita; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More of a casual bite than a romantic spot, but works for low-key daytime meetups or quick lunches before exploring North Beach.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-up only, with fast turnover at the outdoor tables. Arrive early for prime sidewalk seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—easy menu for kids (rice plates, fries, chicken skewers) and quick service; high chairs not typically provided.
Best For
Better for: Quick, filling Mediterranean food without the sit-down fuss or tourist markup.
Skip if: You’re after wine service, tablecloth dining, or a quiet evening meal—try a nearby bistro instead.
North Beach Gyros 8.0
North Beach
Counter-service Mediterranean spot known for house-carved gyro, mezze, and hearty platters with steady hours right on Columbus. It’s a reliable neighborhood choice for quick wraps, mixed grills, and late casual meals.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb–beef gyro wrap, Mixed grill plate with rice and salad, Lentil soup with lemon
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: House-carved gyro and broad mezze platters with steady late hours.
Who should go: Wrap lovers and casual groups seeking value
When to visit: After 8 pm to bypass peak dinner lines
What to order: Gyro wrap; mixed grill; lentil soup with pita
Insider tip: Add extra tzatziki and a side salad to split a platter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Columbus can be tight after 6pm; nearby paid lots on Vallejo or Stockton are your best bet.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans and hoodies are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate during dinner rush; conversational but lively, especially on weekends.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; quick turnover since most tables are small groups.
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short—popular with locals grabbing quick wraps.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several mezze, falafel, and salad options clearly marked.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh without yogurt sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—platters can be served without pita; ask to skip wraps for GF-friendly bowls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more casual than romantic—better for an easy meet-up or low-pressure meal than a formal date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Tables turn fast and takeout moves even quicker.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids enjoy the platters and fries; counter service makes it family friendly though space is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and bigger portions than nearby Mediterranean spots, plus later hours for casual dinners.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambiance or a long, sit-down dining experience—this is more quick and practical.
North Beach Gyros 8.0
North Beach
Casual Greek-leaning Mediterranean counter known for house-made gyros, mezze, and hearty plates in the heart of North Beach. Consistent portions, late hours, and a menu that spans wraps to moussaka make it a dependable neighborhood pick.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb-Beef Gyros Wrap, Veggie Moussaka, Mixed Grill Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: In-house gyros and mezze with late-night service on Columbus.
Who should go: Gyro fans and casual groups seeking value
When to visit: After 8 pm to dodge prime-time lines
What to order: Lamb-beef gyros wrap, Greek salad, mixed grill
Insider tip: Ask for extra tzatziki and a side of lentil soup to round out a shareable meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Columbus and adjacent blocks; can be tight after 6pm but nearby garages on Vallejo and Union are reliable backups.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, comfortable for tourists and locals alike.
Noise level: Moderate—steady background chatter and music but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; quicker for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter ordering moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel plates, spanakopita, salads, and dolmas are well liked.
Vegan options: Limited—falafel wrap and lentil soup are the best bets.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes like mixed grill and salads can be gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates—fun energy, fast service, and shareable platters make it relaxed and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Tables turn fast, and you can always order to-go if full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with high chairs, simple dishes like fries and pita, and quick service that works for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Late-night gyros and generous portions—faster and more casual than upscale Greek spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for white-tablecloth service or a quiet, romantic meal—this is more of a lively neighborhood joint.
North Beach Gyros 8.0
North Beach
Counter-service gyro and shawarma specialist emphasizing house-made sauces and halal meats. A quick, satisfying North Beach staple with steady portions and newly added Greek wines by the glass.
Must-Try Dishes: Lamb & Beef Gyro Plate, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Falafel Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: House-made everything—from sauces to meats—keeps flavors bright and clean.
Who should go: Gyro lovers and speedy lunch seekers
When to visit: 11:30–1 or after 7:30 to skip peak rush
What to order: Gyro plate; chicken shawarma wrap; falafel plate
Insider tip: Ask for extra tahini and spicy red sauce; they’ll split sauces on the side.